INTRODUCTION TO STRING INSTRUMENTS

The Violin The Violoncello

The violin is thought to have been inspired
by three instruments in use prior to the invention of
the violin: the rebec, the Viola da Braccio, and the
lira da braccio. The standard idea, or outline, of the
violin developed around 1550 in Italy. Gasparo de
Salo (1540-1609) and Andrea Amati (1500-1577) are
both credited as the first luthiers to produce the violin
in its modern-day shape. Once this model was
established, the violin remained fairly unchanged,
apart from a few adjustments in the neck length, size
of the fingerboard, size of the bass bar and sound
post, and the application method of the neck to the
block. The violins group of string tunings is G, D, A,
and E, with a playable range being about three to four
octaves above any open string. Violins range in size,
from about 14 inches long to about 23 inches long.
The Viola
The violas time of origin is not always
clear, but it did come into existence around 1530.
One of the first luthiers credited with the production
of the viola is Gasparo da Salo. The luthiers Andrea
Guarneri (1626-1698) and Antonio Stradavari (1644-
1737) were also famous for making excellent, but
few violas. The viola had several modifications in its
design, with adjustments to the neck, fingerboard,
bridge, bass bar, and sound post, just as the violin.
However, the viola also changed in size. In addition
to its change in size, its acoustic capabilities
remained in development; as composers wrote more
demanding parts for the viola, its capabilities had to
be adjusted. Even today, violas vary in length, rib
depth, and width of bouts. The violas group of string
tunings is C, G, D, and A, with a playable range
being about three to four octaves above any open
string. Violas range in size, from about 21 inches
long to about 27 inches long.
The violoncello, commonly referred to
simply as the cello, has origins that are somewhat
hard to place. It is thought that its history is related to
the bass violin, whose earliest existence was recorded
in 1527. Early bass violins existed in two sizes, one
with a higher tuning and one with a lower tuning,
with the size greatly depending on the type of string
used; wirewound string was developed and allowed
for the instrument to be smaller in size. Antonio
Stradavari is given the credit for standardizing the
size of the cello around 1707. Over its life, the cello
has had slight modifications in the fingerboard and
neck. Another modification was the endpin, whose
use was added to methods books around 1880. The
cellos group of string tunings is C, G, D, and A, with
a playable range being about three to four octaves
above any open string. Cellos range in size, from
about 26 inches long to about 48 inches long.
The Double Bass
It is thought that the double bass could be a
member of either the violin or the viol family, but its
exact origin is not always clear; its shape seems to be
derived from the viol family, while its internal
construction points to the violin family. This
discrepancy is also due to a difference in style
between German basses and Italian basses. Gasparo
da Salo and Andrea Amati are two famous luthiers
who produced double basses. Over time, the double
bass received several modifications: the number of
strings used, its shape, and its size. The double basss
group of string tunings is E, A, D, and G, which is
slightly different than that of the other string
instruments; the double bass is tuned in fourths, while
the violin, viola, and cello are all tuned in fifths. The
playable range of the double bass, like other string
instruments, is about three to four octaves above any
open string. Double basses range in size, from about
61 inches long to about 74 inches long.

Rental and Purchase Information

When considering renting or buying an instrument, it is very important to consider quality. While a less
expensive option may appear more attractive, it will be more difficult to play, will wear out more quickly over time,
and require more maintenance than a more expensive option. Instruments of higher quality are much easier to play
and require less maintenance, so they tend to be more cost-effective over time. Also consider multiple shops and
brands when deciding on an instrument; be sure to do research into which shops and brands are the most reputable
and what deals shops can offer for students. If choosing to rent an instrument, it is usually best to rent from a local
dealer, as they can be contacted easily if any service is needed. Local dealers also tend to offer better quality
instruments and may offer rent-to-own programs or programs in which the student can put their rental money
towards upgrading their instrument over time.
 INTRODUCTION TO STRING INSTRUMENTS

Parts of the Instruments:

CELLO/BASS

It is important for students to familiarize themselves with the parts of the instruments so that they have a
greater understanding of how the instruments work. It is also easier to communicate between themselves and other
students and their instructors if everyone is using the same terminology to describe the instruments.

Caring for Your Instrument:

It is very important that the only individuals who handle the instrument are the student and the instructor, as
these instruments are very fragile.
Always keep the instrument and bow in their case when not in use, with the case shut completely.
Keep the instrument and bow in moderate temperatures, away from direct sunlight, and out of extreme
humidity or temperatures.
Clean the instrument after every use with a cotton cloth, and make sure to have any damages to the
instrument repaired immediately.
Loosen the bow hair each time after playing; loosen enough for the bow hairs to begin to touch the stick.
However, do not touch the bow hair when doing this, and do not try to clean the bow hair.
When holding the instrument, always hold it by the neck and not the body.
Store music away from the instrument unless the case has a designated space for music.
Occasionally clean the strings, fingerboard, and chin rest (if applicable) with an alcohol-based product. Do
not let the alcohol touch the varnish on the instrument, however.
Occasionally clean the body of the instrument, as well as the bow stick, with a professional string
instrument cleaner and a soft cloth.
Have the bow hair replaced once per year.
Always replace strings when they become frayed, false, or broken.
o Remove one string at a time
o Check to see if the peg turns smoothly, and if not, apply peg compound; then apply graphite
(perhaps from a pencil) to the groove on the bridge where the string rests.
o Insert and then pull the end of the string through the hole in the peg, then turn the peg so that the
string wraps around it, then pull the other end through its corresponding hole in the tailpiece
o Tighten the string until it is in tune.